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Kitten Found- 2/9/10 Found female kitten, 4 months old, if you have lost her, please give me a call. 01367 243482 Name Supplied

Poor BBC reception - 2/9/10 We get pretty good Digital TV reception, although it is not as good as when we lived in Bicester. There is a lot of work being done on the transmitter at Beckley at the moment, which is in preparation for the digital switchover next year. We had a new aerial installed by Screenlink in Shrivenham Tel.(01793 782221), they were very courteous and reasonably priced. I would certainly reccommend them. Name Supplied

Poor BBC reception- 2/9/10 We have lived in Faingdon for 20 years and have never received a decent TV picture. The only thing to do is to use digital (sky,freeview) it seems that the picture is much better from out of space, it does not have to get through the Folly.! Hope this helps. Name Supplied

Poor BBC reception - 30/8/10 I know this has come up in past posts, but do we continue to be the only folk in Faringdon who cannot get decent BBC reception (we just can't get a decent reception - nothing worth watching). I would be grateful for any advice and/or a recommendation for a reliable TV/aerial professional. Name Supplied

Re: Cricket/Rugby pitches - 30/8/10 How long it's going to take? Well how long's a piece of string? However you can see the plans on VWHDC website Planning section, Public Access. Application GFA/19883/6-D. Put this in the second line of the form. Have fun it takes some searching. Name Supplied

New cricket pitch? - 29/8/10 Walked Buster round the Folly this morning and decided to take a look at how things are progressing with the new Cricket / Rugby pitch down on Folly Park - I am really impressed with the grassed area that will be (I assume) the Cricket pitch and wanted to find out more, however on returning home to try and find out what the project will finally look like when it is completed I can't find a thing !! Anyone out there know what is going to be happening or where I can get more info, as it would be splendid to have an idea when I need to knock the cobwebs off my old Rugby boots (Wife has just fallen off her chair laughing !!) Would be very grateful if someone can direct me to a site that gives this info - ta. Huigh Cookson

a big thank you - 29/8/10 to eve cowx. for sendin £20 all the way from norway. to help buy prizes for our next african childrens fund bingo. which will be held on thurs 9th sept in corn exchange faringdon. doors open at 7pm eyes down 7.30. soft drinks will be available children welcome. if anyone has any unwanted bottles. chocolates. or gifts. i would be very grateful.please call Debbie on 07772611136

Bus drivers- 27/8/10 The fault lies not with the drivers but with the appalling layout of the 'improved' Market Place. Personally I think we are very lucky to have a bus service that comes through the Market Place at all. The unnecessarily large area of paving around the Old Town Hall, and the widened pavements make it difficult for any large vehicle to negotiate, let alone a bus. Perhaps you should try driving one, or just ask the drivers what they think of it. Name Supplied

You cannot be serious!!- 28/8/10 . Accusing Bus Drivers of not being able to position their buses correctly in the Market Place has to be one of the most unreasonable comments ever. I'm sure they would be quite capable of taking the ideal line round Faringdon's roads if other people would stop driving or parking on them Name supplied

Found - small cat, mainly black with white bib, white tummy and white socks - 27/8/10. Can't tell the gender as he/she is a bit skittish but very friendly. Has been hanging around the Coleshill Drive area for the last couple of weeks. Sits outside our door and meows a lot but can't take him/her in as our toms would eat it for breakfast! No collar. Can email photo if you think it might be your cat. If she/he is still around tomorrow morning, I might take to vet to see if chipped, but do let me know if you've got a cat matching this description, more so I don't worry about it being homeless and starving! Jen Farquhar ED(GW) if you want to get in touch email the website and I'll pass the message on

Sandwich Fillers is great - 26/8/10 I took my 5 children into Phillers for lunch today, and just wanted to let everyone know how fabulous it was. Delicious food and marvelous service, all at a reasonable price. What more could you ask for?! We shall definately be having lunch there again. Emma Riddle

To those complaining about the post office: - 26/8/10 I think you should read this story in the local press showing the stresses they work under: http://www.heraldseries.co.uk/news/hswantagenews/8342577.Grieving_husband_calls_for_Post_Office_review/ Name Supplied

Snooty Mehman - 6/8 Went to the restaurant for the first time- the best indian food I've ever tasted. Name Supplied btw MEHMAAN means 'someone who comes to our house suddenly without any notice' I thought it meant FOX

Bus drivers - 25/8/10 When will the bus drivers in Faringdon learn which side of the road they are supposed to be driving on?! I witness appalling driving on their part in the market place on a daily basis - surely if someone is incapable of positioning their vehicle correctly then they should not be employed in such a capacity?! If the average car driver drove their vehicle as incompetently and illegally as the local bus drivers, I'm sure they would rack up points on their licence in no time at all! Name supplied

Has my cat Bitsy moved into your house? - 25/8/10 She went missing from Marines Drive Faringdon at the end of July and may be making her way back to Watchfield. White and Black female age 6 with distinctive black mark below nose. Has been neutered. Any sightings please email me dl872williams@hotmail.co.uk

Community Message from Thames Valley Police. ARREST FOR DRUG DEALING - 25/8/10 A 20 year male was arrested after officers attended an address in Faringdon following a report of drug dealing. The male produced a bag of cannabis. A search of the property was then carried out and 10 deals of herbal cannabis in a carrier bag were found and 15 further deals of herbal cannabis were also seized. Please continue to be vigilant and report anything you deem suspicious in to the Police on 08458 505 505. Thank you. Message ends.

Damage to Bus Shelters, Park Road - 25/8/10 Don't think this is the first time the bus shelters have been vandalised. It's a shame - but it maybe time to decide either to get rid of them or build something more robust Name Supplied

P Plate accident - again in fact I player will have "cops cars and criminals" about exactly the kinda thing it could well be Name Supplied

New (kind of!) business networking group in Faringdon - 24/8/10 4Networking is a national business networking community with over 200 groups around the UK. The Faringdon group has been running at Carswell Golf Club for over three years now, but is moving closer to the town centre from September. Its new home is Sudbury House Hotel and we are really looking forward to expanding the group and welcoming new members. 4N is a very different type of networking group that encourages members to build relationships. As well as being a great way of finding new clients, it's very sociable and fun too! The first meeting at Sudbury House takes place on Thursday 2nd September between 8am and 10am and anyone in business is welcome to come along and find out more - it will only cost you a couple of hours and £10 for your breakfast. You can find out lots more about 4Networking on the website: www.4networking.biz - or contact me, Alison on 01367 888229, email alison@theprooffairy.com

Rotary Information Evening - 24/8/10 Following last year's successful Information Evening the Rotary Club of Faringdon & District is again holding a similar event at the Sudbury House Hotel in Faringdon at 7.30pm on Wednesday 13th October 2010. Since last year's Information Evening the local Rotary Club has helped Santa travel around the district on Thomas, contributed to the Haiti disaster by sending Shelter Boxes & Aqua Boxes, held a curry night at the Gulshan Restaurant in Shrivenham to raise $1,000 towards the international appeal for eradication of polio and also donated to local charities such as Maggie's Cancer Charity, Root and Branch, local Scouts and many other local worthy causes. But Rotary is not all about charitable works, we also have fun. We helped out at the Fairford Air Show, hosted the Buscot Fun Runs, held an Antiques Road Show evening, organised an evening with a Welsh Male Voice Choir, gone on evening walks (usually ending at a pub) and play skittles from time to time. Does this interest you: socialising, getting actively involved in helping those less fortunate than yourself at home and abroad and at the same time enjoying entertaining and informative evenings out? If the answer is 'Yes' then the Information Evening is designed to let you know not just about the good works and fund raising but also about the fun and community spirit that can be gained whilst getting involved. If Rotary is for you then you will find that you are part of a large international organisation with a membership of more than 1.2 million people in over 200 countries. In Great Britain and Ireland there are more than 1,840 clubs. If you want to find out more then contact this year's President Rodney Benson on 01367 243864 or Vice President Glyn James on 01367 810569

Damage to Bus Shelters, Park Road - 24/8/10 As many people will have already noticed, two bus shelters in Park Road near Volunteer Way have been vandalized, one very seriously. Faringdon Town Council has provided these bus shelters as a service to people wishing to use the buses but yet again damage such as this has caused a great inconvenience to those people and has created extra costs to the Town Council. Town Council has reported this damage to the police and asks anyone who saw anything over the weekend of the 20-22 August which could be helpful in solving how this damage occurred, to please contact the police on 0845 8505 505. Thank you. Faringdon Town Council

Congratulations to Faringdon Skaters - 24/8/10 Congratulations to Faringdon Skaters achieving grades in their GCSE's Hard work paying off. So proud of you all Dee and Steve England

Community Awards nominations by 3/9/10 - 24/8/10 Don't forget to nominate your Group, Business and Hero in the Community Awards. Nominations close 3 /9/2010. Forms and nomination box situated in Faringdon Comunity and Tourist Information Centre in the reception area of the Council Office. Sally Thurston

RADAR keys - 24/8/10 Faringdon Community and Tourist Information Centre now has RADAR keys in stock. They cost £4.50. Proof of disability is required. ED(GW) The National Key Scheme (NKS) offers independent access to disabled people to around 7,000 locked public toilets around the country. RADAR would like all providers of accessible toilets to keep their toilets unlocked if at all possible. The NKS is suggested for use only if the provider concerned has to keep the toilets locked to stop vandalism and misuse. Sally Thurston

Coach outing to national arboretum - 23/8/10 David and Margot manning are running a coach to the national memorial arboretum which comprises 150 acres of trees and memorials.The armed forces memorial at the arboretum,s heart is a striking and emotive tribute giving recognition to and thanks for those who have died whilst on duty or as a result of terrorist action since the end of the second world war. the date of this trip is 16th october 2010 leaving faringdon market place 7.45am returning approximately 7.00pm.cost approximately £18-00. for further information please call David or Margot on 01367244853. Micahel Barnes

P Plate accident - 23/8/10. Sounds alot like a rear end scam. People cause accidents to young / new drivers, mothers and older drivers, and get the insurance to pay. If you think it was suspicious pass details on to the police. Also I would question the legality of the "admitting fault" paper. Not that its going to help the premium but still Name Supplied

P Plate Drivers Beware - 22/8/10 After passing her driving test we gave our grand-daughter a car but insisted she advertised her inexperience by displaying a P Plate Three days after getting her car she was involved in an accident with another female driver.. Within minutes the other driver's parents arrived on the scene with a form for my grand-daughter to sign admitting the accident was her fault. Was it a coincidence or a scam ? The insurance company paid out over £7,000 as the other driver claimed she suffered whiplash injuries! Golden Rule for any drivers ... DON'T SIGN ANYTHING ! Name Supplied

Lovely day and thanks - 22/8/10 We have had just had a lovely day. We had our children Baptised at All Saints Church this morning and hit a few snags with late arrivals and potty training children, but everyone was so patient and supportive that nothing was really an issue. So Thank you to all involved. We then held a childrens party at Faringdon Football Club. It was a perfect venue for a childrens party, friendly, in a safe environment, with carparking nearby and lovely helpful staff. The last person to get a mention would have to be Dale of Dales Disco's. He was a hit with the kids, organised games, had more adults up dancing than I thought possible, and kept everyone involved. Thank you all so much for a lovely day. There are good people in Faringdon, and more of you should get a mention. Sherrie Morgan

Post office - 22/8/10 Oops, I take back my comment about squeezing down the narrow aisle in the paper shop to get to the post office counter - popped into the post office a couple of days ago and what do I see, the wider of the aisles in the paper shop is now piled high with discount booze. Just what Faringdon needs, eh?? Silly me, I thought it was a paper & sweetie shop. Name supplied

Portwell Angel - 22/8/10 Just wanted to report on visit to Portwell Angel on Sun 22nd Aug, given the recent comments made. It was lovely to sit outside and watch the world go by, and the barman even provided table service to us outside. Not only that, but they've now installed a ramp to the entrance (which helped me get the pushchair in easily). A thoroughly lovely afternoon was had and I hope other Faringdonians appreciate it as much as me. Name Supplied

Health consultations It's been a long time since I updated the Talking Health pages on this site. You can now see the latest FAP Health group minutes, and an update from the Vale Consortium re new GP services AND Many opportunities to respond to consultations from the PCT. I have to say I am somewhat sceptical about the worth of these. Part of me believes our views are not taken into account however many of us respond, but then I think might as well do it anyway - you never know. The PCT and NHS seem to be 'engagement' crazy at the moment So do express your views. Just maybe the newly structured health service, led by GPs will benefit places like Faringdon. Gene Webb

Post office - 21/8/10 It seems slightly over dramatic to suggest Faringdon could lose its Post Office as there are still far smaller Post Offices in the area which serve smaller populations. I am prepared to believe it is not the job it used to be though. As I understand it the Post Office Counter operation is a sort of franchise attached to the Post Office. Otherwise the Sorting Centre would be an ideal place to have a Post Office Counter. The accessability of the Faringdon PO internally and the fact I cannot park nearby if I have a number of packages to send mean it is far simpler to use Stanford ITVs excellant PO or Southmoor's main office which can offer passports etc. without going into a town or city, brilliant. Thus the poor access to Faringdon PO sends me out of town. It is this drip drip of ease or not of trade that is so damaging to a shopping centre. The parking situation does not help as out of towners are not encouraged in. Once again we are hamstrung by narrow roads otherwise London Street could be a one way street and parking then possible. I cannot see the top of Stanford Road and then turning into the narrows as a good option for the few trucks that find thier way up to the top of town. With some imagination from the planners the creation of the new housing estates could have produced a route around the outside of the centre of town reducing the traffic on London Street etc. Indeed it would have been feasable to total redirecting most of the through traffic away to roads created which were suited to modern traffic. The only access that would remain awkward would have been to Witney. Sadly spot bots cannot see so far so the opprtunity was missed, or has it? Money? Get Tesco to pay for it. Alan Hitchcock

Thames Valley Police Force Open Day 4th September - 21/8/10 Thames Valley Police is opening its doors to the public this year for the fifth year running. An open day is being held on Saturday 4 September 2010 between 10.00am and 4.00pm, at Thames Valley Police Training Centre in Sulhamstead near Reading. The open day aims to help promote greater understanding of the work of the various departments and specialist roles within the Force. The public will have the opportunity to look around the Force Museum, which is packed with the history of Thames Valley Police, and get the chance to meet some of the officers from the Force’s specialist departments. Admission is £2.50 per adult and under 16s go free. No dogs, except guide dogs, are allowed on site. Parking at the site is limited and will be available on a first-come-first-served basis. Disabled access is available. Officers will be on hand to give a personal insight into their role and work; the majority of which the public might not be aware of because it goes on behind-the-scenes. One of the main attractions of the day is the police helicopter which will be manned by the Chiltern Air Support Unit. The Roads Policing department will be present with various vehicles, while the mounted and dog sections will also be in attendance. Displays will take place throughout the day

Lost terrier - 20/8/10 Has anyone seen a small terrier that was lost on the 20th August at Wicklesham Farm still with lead attached as she bolted chasing a rabbit!! Her name is matty. Thanks Tom allen-stevens

Re 2 things (Name supplied) - 20/8/10 About joining the National Women's Register. Not sure what your issue is with the Portwell Angel - it's been offered to us as a free meeting venue but we may well decide to meet in other public places or in people's houses, which is what most NWR groups do. The Portwell is just a convenient place for an initial meeting - somewhere neutral so no one worries about going to a stranger's house. At that meeting we'll decide where and when future ones will happen. Please do contact me off list for more details ... even if you don't want to come to the Portwell I'd be happy to let you know where future meetings with happen! My email is alisonuk@gmail.com or call me on 01367 888229

Follow the Vale on Twitter - 18/8/10 Why not keep up to date with all the news from the Vale of White Horse District Council by following us on Twitter. Twitter is a social networking tool used by many individuals and businesses simply to let friends and customers know what's going on. If you Tweet, or simply like to be kept up to date about what is going on, why not follow us? You'll receive news updates (including about the new waste service), emergency information, details of events, links to press releases and other useful information. To follow us simply go to www.twitter.com/WhiteHorseDC

Vodaphone - 17/8/10 the vodafone genarator, not the correct spelling i know! its down due to the electrical side of it going wrong, also i do think its wrong to be out of action for the amount of time it has been! ryan enevoldsen

Posts removed - 16/8/10 There have been recent posts on this site about the postal delivery personnel. I have just been informed that the initial critical post received was malicious and NOT sent by the person named in the post. Subsequently this and all related posts have been removed. Ed

Weekend job wanted - 16/8/10 I'm looking for a weekend job within Faringdon. I'm a teenager who is of an age to be able to work legally. I'm a very hard working person and extremely keen to start working. If anybody knows of any job positions available, please do reply. Thank you hi.me.bonj@hotmail.co.uk

Portwell Angel is great - 16/8/10 I think the Portwell Angel is great. It hosts lost of musical events and displays a variety of artwork. It is well furnished and staffed by friendly young people. Lovley view of the Market Place too. I do hope it continues to be successful Name Supplied

Battle of the Bands Festival and Family Day at Pentylands Park, Highworth - 15/8/10 Starting 11 am, music starts from 12 am with Locomotion starting the event then 8 bands competing and solo acts performing over two stages. Lots of other stands/bar/refreshments and fair/children's activities. FREE EVENT

2 things - 15/8/10 1/ I would really really like to join the National Womens Register, but there is not a cat in hells chance that I will ever set foot in the Portwell. 2/ The Post Office is in a place it shouldn't be. We had a brilliant purpose built PO, they moved it over Christmas and New Year when we couldn't complain. I'm not surprised that anyone working there is unhappy, I avoid it like the plague unless I have no choice. Name Supplied

Post - 15/8/10 Our postman for Marlborough St is wonderful. I'm not a frequent user of the post office, but recently I went in there the young woman who served me was very cheerful and helpful Name Supplied

Post office - 15/8/10 The post office personnel have a very stressful job, as there are many imminent closures of post offices in tranches throughout the country so their jobs are insecure. In addition there seems to be a very peculiar pay structure and their pay is being stealthily reduced. Also they are packed into the back of the paper shop like sardines in a tin. Looks like they barely have room to pass one another they are so cramped. What a difference from the reasonably sized post office in Marlborough Street. While we are on the subject of the post office/paper shop though; is there any reason why we have to queue along the narrow passage where the magazines are, and where people like to browse? Wouldn't it be more sensible to queue down the other, wider, aisle? Just a thought. Name supplied

Parking on double yellow lines- 15/8/10 Whoever wrote "Parking on double yellow lines- 8/8/10 Just a Warning to all who park on double yellow lines and park on pavements.You're car will not be covered.. is probably wrong. If name supplied would like to contact me I'll be happy to explain. nick@bordengate.com Nick Elwell

Unhappy post office - 14/8/10 Am so glad it is not just me! I got married after moving to faringdon and some of my bills were in my maiden name. When I tried to pay one with my son in arms one day I met with some rather ugly comments about single parents! I have also since been asked if I'm sure I can afford to pay out money! This person does not know me at all, and I have gone out of town to pay bills and only use the post office here as a last resort! Name Supplied

Portwell Angel - great night - 14/8/10 Great night at the Portwell Angel on Friday. With some traditional Irish and English folk songs. Rousing renditions by Nial and Andrew, with Fiona and Co. adding to the evening from a wide ranging repertoire. Much vocal joining in from the audience on the choruses. Splendid night, high on the feelgood factor. When's the next one? Remember Hams Theessink is at the Portwell Angel on Wednesday 1st Sept. A chance to see this award nominated performer in an intimate venue.www.theessink.com Tickets are limited and are selling steadily. Only priced at £5. Contact the Portwell on 01367-248030. Sam Prince

African bingo - 14/8/10 Just like to say a big thank you. to everyone who has supported the african childrens fund bingo. its picking up nicely. but we are still in need of donations for our raffle. so if anyone has any bottles, chocolates or unwanted gifts could you please call Debbie on 07772611136 next bingo is on 9th september in the corn exchange faringdon doors open at 7pm eyes down 7.30. children welcome. thanks again. Debbie

Need Planning advice? - 10/8/10 Town planning is becoming an increasingly complex process. Householders, objectors, landowners and developers need advice from someone who knows the way around the complexities of the planning system and local government. I am a chartered town planner, a Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute, and have 30 years experience in local government as a senior planner. I am now working as a planning consultant. I have been involved at all levels of the planning system, from local planning policy work to dealing with planning applications over a wide range of commercial, residential and householder proposals. Part of my work has been in assessing the development potential of property and land, and has included interaction with a wide range of people including architects, developers, planning committee members and Town and Parish councillors. My knowledge of how the council planning system works places me in an ideal position to offer consultation and advice on planning issues large or small. I can offer advice to neighbours who want to object to a planning application in their area and can help in getting their points across in an effective way. For landowners, I can also identify the planning constraints on land and property, and can advise on development potential, so that time and money isn't wasted on drawing up inappropriate plans. If you think I can help you, please ring me - Jane Randle - on 01491 839568, or email randlejane0@gmail.com

Aquarobics - 10/8/10 I don't know long long she's been there or what her name is but the woman who teaches aquarobics at Faringdon Leisure Centre on Tuesday nights from 8pm is fabulous. I got the shock of my life when I expected a bit of serene floating to a bit of 80's pop music and instead ended up being very much put through my paces in a sort of Boot Camp manner. Highly recommended. Class had at least 20 of us in it. Mel

Found in playground Coleshill Drive - 9/8/10 iphone with cover. Handed into Faringdon police station by the boys who found it. Catherine Robinson

National Womens Register in Faringdon - 8/8/10 The Faringdon Branch of the NWR (National Women’s Register) has its first ever meeting on Tues 7th September, 7.30pm at the Portwell Angel. This is a new, friendly group for women of all ages who want to find their own space and enjoy lively discussion on a wide range of topics. Come along to find out more about the NWR, and help us decide when, where and how often we should meet! We will also have our first “ice breaker” discussion: What I read during the summer – confess what you actually read on the beach/in your hotel/ or in your back garden during the summer break. All women welcome! Just come along on the night or call Alison Neale on 01367 888229 or email alisonuk@gmail.com for more details.

News on Faringdon SK8 - 8/8/10 I am please to say that the group is going very well, following our AGM in June, we now have a elected committee and are a fully constituted group . We are busy apply for funding and things are looking promising. You can also look us up on Face book and become a friend of Faringdon SK8, this will mean you will be able to be keep up to date with any developments and possibly consult with our ‘friends’ on any future decisions. Thanks Ruth ( Chair Faringdon SK8 )

Parking - 8/8/10 I wonder where we will park when the Bins have taken over ???????????????? Name Supplied

Budgens curry - 8/8/10 Oh Dear Oh dear Am I the only person to notice the best supermarket curry in the world has changed to the worst. Budgens what have you done ????????? Name Supplied

Call for local writers - 8/8/10 The White Horse Writers Guild is a new group that aims to support local writers in the Faringdon area. If you are a writer, or would like to develop your writing in any genre, be it poetry, short stories or novel-length works, please contact us to get in touch with other like-minded people. The group will aim to meet at least once a month to discuss writing and popular published works, offer advice on manuscripts and publishing submissions and to review the work of guild members in the spirit of offering creative advice and support. The WHWG is an informal and friendly group, and welcomes everyone regardless of genre or experience. There are no fees as the group is entirely voluntary and non-profit. If you would like to find out more please contact Paul New at whwg@talktalk.net

Parking on double yellow lines- 8/8/10 Just a Warning to all who park on double yellow lines and park on pavements.You're car will not be covered..You're insurance will be invalid by you're insurance company as stated in the small print on the terms of conditions.and road traffic act,so next time your packed up in London street for fish & chips or cakes it could cost you lots of money if someone hits your car.. Thought i would bring this to your attentions. Name Supplied

When can I burn garden rubbish? - 6/8/10 Anyone know if I can burn garden rubbish (cut a long time ago). Is there a time when I can burn, late at night early in the morning. All help appreciated. Julie Farmer

Car Parking - 4/8/10 It does not matter who you are or what you have done in the past - if you break the law, you deserve to get punished. If you are entitled to a legal space then apply for one and use it, but don't whine if you get a ticket for parking illegally. I have a great deal of respect for War Pensioners. Furthermore, anyone who is disabled and needs a parking space outside their house will get no complaint from me, but I have no respect for people who break the law. I wouldn't go as far as to report people to the police - if I did that, I would be on the phone all day! But just because I don't report it, doesn't mean I approve. We may not like all the traffic regulations - I certainly don't agree with all of them. But if you break the law, you have to accept the consequences. Name Supplied

Raffle prizes wanted - 3/8/10 raffle prizes needed for our bingo. in aid of african childrens fund on 12th august in the corn exchange. doors open 7pm eyes down 7.30. if u have any unwanted gifts.bottles or chocolates. we would be very greatful. please call debbie on 07772611136 or 01367 241509

Kosovo petition- 3/8/10 I am involved with a charity called Hope and Aid Direct - Hope and Aid Direct takes humanitarian aid mainly to Kosovo, twice a year. In Kosovo there is a Roma camp located near a lead mine. They were placed there by the UN in 1999 when the war ended, only for 45 days as it was an unsafe place to live. They are still there 11 years later. 89 people have died during this time, of lead poisoning and a young lad is in hospital right now - his 9th admission in 12 months. I am hoping to visit this camp when I go to Kosovo in October - it would so fantastic to hear they are able to move to a safe place when we go in October. Please do read and sign the petition if you feel able. http://www.thepetitionsite.com/5/Save-Children-Dying-From-Lead-Poisoning Sarah Oliver

Pill Box blast - 3/8/10 Someone asked about the latest on the pill box blast. According to the Thames Valley Police website http://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/newsevents/newsevents-pressreleases/newsevents-pressreleases-item.htm?id=140918 the police are trying to trace the owner of a jug found in the pill box. There is a picture on the website Name Supplied

Vodafone - 2/8/10 People maybe interested in this email thread of communication I have had with one part of Vodafone. From me Having been without a signal in Faringdon during a three day period last week it has now gone again. www.faringdon.org reports several people leaving Vodafone to O2. Please....when will the signal come back? To date your customer service has been appalling. It really would be a good idea if you communicated with the people in Vodafone’s PAYG customer service department. They responded to me days ago. Vodafone’s customer service is really awful. From Vodaphone I appreciate your comment however Vodafone PAYG are a seperate part of the company to Vodafone Corporate and we do not have access to each others systems. Also as the mobile number you quoted on your email is a corporate number we had no reason to suspect you would have already discussed this with the PAYG department and therefore had no reason to contact them regarding your email. I have had a look at the coverage in this post code area and can confirm that the mast in the area is working perfectly fine and that I can see no issues at present. If you have any further enquiries please do not hesitate to contact us. Dear Samantha, I too can confirm that all is working well today, but this does not detract from the fact that we have had three extended periods of zero reception recently. Surely I am not the only person who has both a business phone and a private phone with Vodafone. When there is a problem I obviously register it for both accounts. It is quite simply ludicrous that, more than once, I have been the conduit for information passing between the two separate parts of Vodafone. This just emphasises the point I made earlier, “Vodafone customer service is really awful”. Regards Ifor Ifor Phillips

Car Parking - 2/8/10 It may amuse thingy, but it was muted to ban all parking in London Street. Then there was the prospect of increased traffic speed. So, you now need traffic calming, ergo irritating chicanes down the road. Result, no one can park and the obstructions remain, so no gain there then. Faringdon to become a giant car park? Well, we do need one! Mike Perks

Charity bags...... - 2/8/10 Well done Colin, The Sally Anne do good work, they have a great brass band too. Mike Perks

Time for a rant - A note to cyclists. 2/8/10 Please stay off the town's pavements and on the road where cars, horses and bicycles belong. If it isn't a designated cycle path it is for the use of pedestrians. If you still insist on cycling on the pavement please have the courtesy, as just a few of you do, to make way for pedestrians whose right of way it is. Thank you. Ifor Phillips

Weston-Super-Mare.- 2/8/10 We've just returned from a long weekend at W-S-M. I know it is a popular day trip venue and we enjoyed it.. It has a restored Grand Pier, Steam Fair, Observation Wheel and a Sand Sculpture exhibition in addition to the usual sea side attractions. But the Grand Pier is not yet open and non-one including the TIC seems to have any idea when it will be. Also the whole of the front is one gigantic building site and access to the promenade is very difficult for anyone with a mobility problem. Again no-one knows when the work will be finished but my guess would be months rather than weeks. Next year,once again, it will be a great place for a day trip This year, unfortunately, it isn't ! Name Supplied

Charity bags...... - 2/8/10 about 4 weeks ago i had 5 different charity bags put through door in one day... Name supplied

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